Assistant Team Leader - C997
An excellent career opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Garden Team Leader to join an established company located near Canterbury in Kent. The company has been in business for over 30 years - a testament to their continued provision of quality service in the gardening and landscape industry. This role presents a genuine opportunity to move up to a Team Leader position with an associated salary increase, following exemplary performance and the opening of opportunities within the firm.
The company now requires an Assistant Garden Team Leader to work alongside and supervise a small team of existing gardeners on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will manage their own gardens and on occasion and will deputise on the gardens of their Team Leader colleagues. The role will predominantly involve supervising two assistant gardeners and tending to numerous, primarily high-end residential block gardens on a scheduled, rotational and hands-on basis. A driving licence is essential for this role as the successful applicant will drive a company van on a daily basis. The postholder will be required to drive to London on a 2-3 day per week basis to tend to gardens alongside their colleagues. This will involve leaving the depot at 05:00 and returning for an early finish at 15:30.
The successful applicant will ideally have the opportunity to assist with various one-off projects of a similar nature on a full-time basis during the winter months, which will ensure continued year-round employment and an opportunity to add to your existing skill set.
The ideal candidate will hold a recognised horticultural qualification and/or considerable gardening experience, will be competent with a range of grounds maintenance machinery and equipment and will be used to working within a team and on their own initiative. Applicants for this role should have good plant identification skills and garden management experience, ideally on horticulturally diverse estates.
Applicants will need to be competent with a range of garden machinery (and basic maintenance thereof). Typical daily duties will include hedge cutting, lawn maintenance, pruning, planting, bed/border maintenance, as well as a range of other gardening tasks as they arise. Competence with back-pack sprayers and a spray ticket (PA1/PA6) is desired.
Applicants must be conscientious and well presented as interaction with property owners on site will be necessary. Candidates will be diplomatic and have a positive approach to the management of gardeners in training, be flexible in their approach to work, physically fit and have a ‘can-do’ attitude. Uniforms are provided. A full UK driving licence is essential, as is your own car for the purpose of travel to and from the rural depot. The business shuts down between Christmas and New Year.
If this Assistant Team Leader vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Assistant Team Leader vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for Assistant Team Leader vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Head Gardener - Live In/Out - EC8025
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and knowledgeable gardener to play a leading role on a beautiful, historic, traditional English country estate near Cirencester. This position would suit an academically qualified and knowledgeable hands-on gardener with experience at senior and/or Head Gardener level.
The private estate is open to the public at certain times of the year and currently attracts approximately 8000 visitors per year, however the family aims to increase this significantly following completion of a major refurbishment to the house in 2020. The property is privately owned and has remained in the same family since its construction in the early 20th century, with the fourth generation now enjoying the estate and playing an active and hands-on role in its maintenance and development. The estate plays host to a small number of events, such as a Rare Plant Fair, an opera, and a crafts event. An extensive snowdrop collection is also a significant draw for visitors each year.
Set within a small rural village and surrounded by agricultural fields and paddocks, the estate comprises an impressive main building of Cotswold stone with formal gardens extending to 8-acres. The gardens follow a traditional formal English manor house style with generous planting of yew and box topiary, extensive hedging, herbaceous borders, planters, a variety of shrubs, native and exotic tree species, manicured lawns and climbing wisteria. A walled garden is currently undergoing renovation.
Following the amicable departure of the previous incumbent, the gardens are currently managed by one part-time gardener, one apprentice, two volunteers and regular hands-on contributions from the family themselves. A requirement therefore exists for a new Head Gardener to take the lead on garden management and development, which will involve working closely with the owners.
The ideal candidate will possess suitable academic and industrial horticultural qualifications as well as extensive hands-on garden management experience on private estates. Applicants must have good knowledge of seasonal horticultural practices, species-specific pruning techniques and have the ability to supervise part-time gardeners, manage a garden budget, volunteers and contractors with diplomacy and positivity in order to ensure a happy and effective team. Experience of creating and maintaining topiary, mixed borders, lawn maintenance, kitchen gardening and plant propagation, is essential. Applicants must be competent with the operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of garden machinery, with spray certificates (PA1/PA6) desirable.
The Head Gardener role will primarily involve working with the owners to develop the garden as both a private residence and visitor attraction, by way of maintaining excellent standards of presentation throughout the year. As a key player on the estate, informal conversations with visitors about the garden will be expected, as well as developing towards conducting tours of the garden to groups of visitors. Applicants should therefore be positive in their approach, confident in character and should find enjoyment and reward in passing on their expertise to visitors and colleagues alike.
A three-bedroom cottage is available, if required, with a salary adjustment made accordingly as outlined by the range below. The cottage may be used temporarily in order to ensure smooth relocation of the successful candidate, or permanently if preferred. If the successful candidate prefers to live out, the higher end of the salary range will be offered.
SALARY: £25,000 - £35,000 Live in/out
LOCATION: Cirencester, Gloucestershire
JOB No: EC8025
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Plantarea Manager - N465
An exciting opportunity for a Plantarea Manager to join a highly successful family business who are committed to providing the very best for the garden and home. Plants are their heritage and they pride themselves on offering customers the very best quality and range of outdoor plants supplied by a dedicated team of staff. They are currently seeking a Plantarea Manager who is passionate to provide excellent customer sales and service.
Are you a dedicated team leader able to inspire others?
Can you provide a good level of merchandising and displays?
Do you have good plant purchasing skills?
Key points
- Maintaining good housekeeping standards across the department
- Leading and inspiring a team of staff to provide excellent customer service
- Purchasing of stock in line with seasonal demands
- Monitoring sales and taking appropriate action
- Liaising with and supporting the garden centre manager when required
Must haves
- A good working knowledge in plant retailing
- An eye for detail presentation and displays
- Good team leadership skills
- Able to maintain a wide range of excellent quality plants
If this Plantarea Manager vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or Pauline@horticruitment.com
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Skilled Gardener - Live Out - EC7999 - This position has now been filled
Skilled Gardener required
A rare and fantastic opportunity has arisen on an historic private estate near Winchester, for an experienced gardener with dedication, flexibility and a passion for garden management. This role would suit a knowledgeable gardener with excellent time management skills, good physical fitness and a demonstrable understanding of the considerations required on private estates.
The property has a very strong history, dating back nearly 3000 years in terms of being a known settlement. The present property and garden are a mere 300 years old in their current form, with the gardens being developed throughout this time by the respective owners. The pleasure gardens encompass 22-acres and are surrounded on three sides by a ha-ha, a pinetum and large collection of young and mature native and exotic trees, a lake, fountains and a natural spring, parterres, formal lawns, mixed and perennial/herbaceous borders, a rose garden, Temple Garden, Orangery, walks and paths, a walled garden (in need of repair), courtyard areas and numerous container planting, with specimen trees throughout. The estate is open to the public for one day per year as part of the National Garden Scheme.
The property owners are private and traditional in keeping with the style and history of the estate and its management to date, so are looking to appoint a Skilled Gardener with experience on estates of a similar nature. Following the retirement of a dedicated Gardener of 20-years, contractors have been brought in to assist with the garden, however there is now a desire to employ a full-time permanent Skilled Gardener with the ability and willingness to dedicate their time to the deserving site.
Applicants for this position may be academically qualified but must, more importantly, be able to demonstrate by previous experience their knowledge and understanding of hands-on garden management on large and horticulturally diverse private estates. Applicants should have extensive experience (and ideally some certification) with a range of garden/estate machinery, i.e. tractors, chainsaws, chemical spray applicators, hedge cutters, strimmers, ride-on and pedestrian mowers, blowers etc. Candidates must have strong knowledge of seasonal garden/plant management, excellent time management skills, and must be team players with a flexible and a helpful approach at all times.
The varying seasonal duties of the successful candidate will be supplemented by external contractors where necessary and as such, an ability to work alongside other gardeners as with other estate team members, with sensitivity and diplomacy, is essential. A full UK driving licence is required for this role. Due to the nature of the site and the preference of the welcoming owners, discretion and sensitivity is required at all times.
In addition to a salary in line with the successful candidate’s experience, private health care is offered as well as a pension scheme, whereby the employer will contribute a generous 9.5% (with the employee contributing 4%). Annual holiday entitlement is 28-days (including Bank Holidays).
SALARY: £25,000 - £30,000 DOE
LOCATION: Winchester, Hampshire
JOB No: EC7999
If this Skilled Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Plantarea Manager - J597
Are you interested to join one of the leading companies in Horticulture who have continued to inspire and to provide the very best horticultural products and services? They empower their customers by providing them with great ideas, information and quality products. An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Plantarea Manager who will lead and promote the highest standards of customer care.
Do you possess strong commercial agility to maximise and drive the plantarea performance and profitability?
Do you take pride in leading and inspiring your team?
Key points
- Take full responsibility for managing the day to day garden plant department
- Assisting in the management of budgets and analysing weekly sales performance
- Being at the forefront of ordering products as per seasonal requirements
- Merchandising to maximise sales opportunities, promoting stock in key areas
- To lead and promote the highest standards of customer care
Must haves
- Sound knowledge of plants with the ability to share and coach the team
- Ability to use good judgement and discretion at all times
- Competent in ensuring exceptional operational and commercial standards
- Strong communication skills to deal with colleagues at all levels
If this Plantarea Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or pauline@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Plantarea Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Plantarea Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Skilled Gardener - Live In - EC7989 - This position has now been filled
Skilled Gardener required
A suitably experienced and passionate gardener is required to take the lead in maintaining approximately 5-acres of formal gardens within a larger 550-acre estate, located just outside Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. This role would suit a knowledgeable horticulturist with demonstrable experience on private estates at a senior level. Applicants should have an understanding and passion for the artistic aspect of garden development, as well as an awareness of the scientific considerations essential for effective plant use and management.
This very ‘English garden’ which has recently been redesigned and replanted, surrounds the main house and includes topiary yew, herbaceous borders, a paved parterre, box parterre, tiered formal lawns, a cutting garden, an embryonic wild meadow area, a new woodland wildlife ponds, a new glasshouse, new potting shed, a new machine shed and new barn. A collection of approximately 20 specimen oak trees is located within the estate at present, with plans to increase the stand on an ongoing basis. A bluebell woodland with native trees is managed by external contractors, though assistance from the garden team may be required at times. Although the formal garden is not managed organically, the remaining estate of approximately 545-acres is. This principle is in keeping with the property owner’s intention to increase biodiversity and continue the creation of natural habitats, beyond the successes already realised on the estate.
As the principal gardener, applicants will need to coordinate with two part-time gardeners, house staff, a groom and occasional contractors. The position is hands-on, with everyday work involving typical seasonal gardening duties such as pruning, planting, mulching, weeding, mowing, propagation etc. The role also includes more specialised tasks such as planting design, irrigation management, small arboricultural jobs (formative pruning and mulching of young trees etc.), composting of garden waste, as well as regular consultation with the owner who is very receptive to new ideas and expertise. As a live-in employee, candidates should also be willing and able to undertake estate security as well as occasional jobs within the wider estate, e.g. tree planting.
Applicants for this role should have excellent plant knowledge; proven practical experience at a similar level (senior gardener or above, on private estates), knowledge of garden machinery and their maintenance, good organisation and communication skills including the use of computers/WhatsApp etc.), knowledge and experience of turf maintenance and care, knowledge of health and safety and the associated paperwork. An academic horticultural qualification is desired, ideally at RHS Level 3 or above, however extensive experience will be considered. Experience with plant pest and disease control/treatment is required, as is experience with chainsaws (PA1/PA6 spray certificates and a chainsaw certificates; CS30/31 or similar) are desired.
Suitable applicants will be positive, enthusiastic individuals with a ‘can-do’ approach. Candidates should be non-smokers with good physical fitness and a fondness for dogs, as the three friendly house Labradors may wish to assist in the garden from time to time. A full UK driving licence is essential.
This role is offered with a generous salary and on-site accommodation by way of an impressive and recently refurbished three-bedroom ground-floor house, located close to the main property. The accommodation comprises an open plan kitchen/dining room and a very large lounge with log burner, and a brand-new conservatory at the rear extending to a private garden. Heating, power and electricity the responsibility of the occupant. This property is unsuitable for pets. A standard 40-hour week is required; Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work when necessary, e.g. during periods of hot weather. Holiday entitlement comprises 20-days holiday plus bank holidays (28-days in total). The estate is located in a rural setting amongst beautiful rolling hills, pocketed with beech woods. Nearby towns include Henley; 3 miles, and Marlow; 8 miles away.
SALARY: Circa £28,000 + Accommodation
LOCATION: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC7989
If this Skilled Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Assistant Head Gardener - Live Out - EC6793
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Head Gardener to maintain the beautiful estate gardens set within the heart of London, owned by the same family spanning 300 years. Historic garden squares and dynamic open spaces provide a relaxing and spacious retreat for residents and visitors in Chelsea.
The estate’s 93-acres span a vibrant neighbourhood renowned for its unique mix of cultural attractions, stunning homes, international flagship stores, independent boutiques and lively cafes, bars and restaurants. The variety across the gardens consists of lawns, tennis courts, richly planted beds and statuary. Unusual plants such as black bamboo, maples, magnolias and palms and also host an impressive selection of trees and exotic plants such as Brazilian pepper tree, a Chinaberry tree, an old Persian Ironwood Tree and mulberry trees, much of which stand in once was a Repton garden lost to the war.
Deputising for the Head of Gardens, the Assistant Head Gardener will be responsible for supervising the gardening team and contractors as required ensuring health and safety legislation and safe working practices are complied with. He / She will maintain the gardens to a high standard including but not limited to, planting, pruning, weeding, use of light machinery, litter picking, clearing leaves and watering to ensure the visitors, residents and staff have a pleasant, safe and enjoyable experience. The Assistant Head Gardener will be the first point of contact to respond to garden queries and concerns and will help ensure the maintenance of orderly conduct by visitors to the gardens in line with the estates code of conduct. He / She will assistance with garden planning and procedures and positively present and promote the gardens and its activities.
The successful candidate will ideally hold a level 3 horticulture qualification and have experience working in a horticultural environment. He / She will have good knowledge of plants, garden management and broad range of horticultural skills. Experience with using and maintaining a wide range of garden machinery including the relevant safety checks is required for the role. He / She will be physically fit, self- motivated, and flexible in their approach. Good interpersonal skills including the ability to inspire colleagues and work as part of a team is essential. He / She will have a good understanding of health and safety issues relating to gardening and public spaces. A full driving licence would be an advantage. As well as a first aid qualification or the willingness to undergo training.
The position will be 37 hours per week excluding breaks; 8 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday. The package will include BUPA Healthcare, a non-contributory pension, 25 days holiday and on-site parking if required.
SALARY: Circa £30,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Chelsea, London
JOB No: EC6793
If this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Assistant Head Gardener - Live Out - EC6793
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Head Gardener to maintain the beautiful estate gardens set within the heart of London, owned by the same family spanning 300 years. Historic garden squares and dynamic open spaces provide a relaxing and spacious retreat for residents and visitors in Chelsea.
The estate’s 93-acres span a vibrant neighbourhood renowned for its unique mix of cultural attractions, stunning homes, international flagship stores, independent boutiques and lively cafes, bars and restaurants. The variety across the gardens consists of lawns, tennis courts, richly planted beds and statuary. Unusual plants such as black bamboo, maples, magnolias and palms and also host an impressive selection of trees and exotic plants such as Brazilian pepper tree, a Chinaberry tree, an old Persian Ironwood Tree and mulberry trees, much of which stand in once was a Repton garden lost to the war.
Deputising for the Head of Gardens, the Assistant Head Gardener will be responsible for supervising the gardening team and contractors as required ensuring health and safety legislation and safe working practices are complied with. He / She will maintain the gardens to a high standard including but not limited to, planting, pruning, weeding, use of light machinery, litter picking, clearing leaves and watering to ensure the visitors, residents and staff have a pleasant, safe and enjoyable experience. The Assistant Head Gardener will be the first point of contact to respond to garden queries and concerns and will help ensure the maintenance of orderly conduct by visitors to the gardens in line with the estates code of conduct. He / She will assistance with garden planning and procedures and positively present and promote the gardens and its activities.
The successful candidate will ideally hold a level 3 horticulture qualification and have experience working in a horticultural environment. He / She will have good knowledge of plants, garden management and broad range of horticultural skills. Experience with using and maintaining a wide range of garden machinery including the relevant safety checks is required for the role. He / She will be physically fit, self- motivated, and flexible in their approach. Good interpersonal skills including the ability to inspire colleagues and work as part of a team is essential. He / She will have a good understanding of health and safety issues relating to gardening and public spaces. A full driving licence would be an advantage. As well as a first aid qualification or the willingness to undergo training.
The position will be 37 hours per week excluding breaks; 8 am – 4 pm Monday to Friday. The package will include BUPA Healthcare, a non-contributory pension, 25 days holiday and on-site parking if required.
SALARY: Circa £30,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Chelsea, London
JOB No: EC6793
If this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
You will need to be registered with English Country Gardeners to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Assistant Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager - S546
Our client has a Retail Nursery situated in a naturally attractive setting and has continued to expand, with plants accounting for 80% of sales. The nursery has developed a good customer base and are renowned for providing excellent quality plants. They are currently seeking an Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager who will work closely with the owners to ensure the highest standards of customer service are achieved.
Do you love working with and understand plants?
Can you deliver an eye-catching sales area?
Can you ensure a well-motivated workforce?
Key points
- Effectively using the retail space to maximise sales of plants and dry goods
- Repeat ordering of stock, receiving, selling and recording
- Staff training and development, rotas and recruitment
- Ensuring the EPOS data system delivers results, sales records, margins and pricing
- Liaising with the Production Manager to ensure the nursery production is in line with sales forecast and expectations
Must haves
- Good horticultural knowledge
- Attention to detail in all daily tasks
- The ability to lead and inspire a team of staff
- A flare for creative presentation and displays
The appointed person will have good leadership skills to ensure staff operate to the highest standards, an eye for detail and a flare for creative presentation, excellent organisational skills and be a good all-round communicator with both staff and customers.
If this Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or pauline@horticruitment.com.
To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Sole Gardener/Handyman - Live In - EC7922
An experienced and multi-skilled estate gardener is required to maintain a beautiful private garden in Kent, on behalf of a welcoming and appreciative owner. Applications are sought from qualified professionals with experience of managing private gardens autonomously, with the willingness and ability to undertake general estate maintenance / handyman duties as required.
The retirement of a long-serving gardener has created an opportunity for a new employee to join the estate on a full-time permanent basis. The property comprises a main dwelling with various additional buildings including an adjacent flat, in which the successful applicant may live, rent free, with all bills and utilities covered by the employer.
Set within surrounding paddocks and farmland, the two-acre private garden comprises a kitchen garden with glasshouse and polytunnel, mixed beds and borders, flower beds, expansive lawns, mixed shrubs and an old rose Arbor. Well maintained hedges create separate areas within the garden, with predominantly native mature trees (sycamore, scots pine, holly and horse chestnut) providing structure and privacy. The property is not open to the public and while not considered a ‘show garden’ in the true sense by the owner, it can be accurately described as a traditional and charming English country garden.
The ideal candidate for this role will be academically qualified to Level 2 (or above) with demonstrable experience of managing private estate gardens as a Sole or Skilled Gardener. Applicants with extensive hands-on garden management experience but no academic qualifications will also be considered. Physical fitness and time management are important, as are traditional handyman skills and an ability to provide general security on the property.
Competence in the operation and basic maintenance of a range of garden machinery is essential, as is good plant knowledge and that of seasonal garden management. Applicants should have experience with plant propagation, kitchen gardening, correct species-specific pruning techniques (roses, formative pruning of young trees etc.), basic identification and treatment of plant pests and diseases, lawn care, as well as an ability to carry out associated estate duties as they arise. Spray certificates (PA/16) Chainsaw license (CS30-31) are required. Candidates must hold a full driving licence and be competent drivers, as a collection of classic cars is housed on site. Occasional moving and cleaning of the cars will be required as part of the handyman aspect of the role. Applicants with experience in the above areas as well as good DIY skills, are encouraged to apply. A flexible, positive and helpful attitude is necessary as is a conscientious, pro-active, hardworking and reliable approach.
Working hours will comprise 45-hours per week; Monday – Friday (07:30 – 17:00) with half an hour for lunch. No scheduled weekend working is required, though the live-in Sole Gardener will be responsible for the health and condition of the garden and glasshouse etc., such that weekend watering may be required during periods of hot weather. Holiday entitlement includes 28-days per annum (including Bank Holidays). A full UK driving licence and your own transport is required for this role for the above reason and as the property is located rurally.
A two-bedroom flat is provided for the Sole Gardener, adjacent to the main house. Due to the nature of the property and size of the accommodation, it is deemed unsuitable for children or pets, but would suit a single person or couple. The rent, bills and Council tax are all covered by the employer.
SALARY: £26,000 + 2-bedroom flat
LOCATION: Kent
JOB No: EC7922
If this Sole Gardener/Handyman vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.
To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.
If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.
You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole Gardener/Handyman vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Sole Gardener/Handyman vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk